Overhead storage bin latch system

ABSTRACT

A latch system that includes a paddle button assembly having a button that is movable between home and actuation positions, a latch assembly that includes a striker assembly with a striker and a hook assembly, and a cable that extends between the paddle button and latch assembly. The hook assembly includes a hook, a pivotal trigger arm, and a manual override switch that is movable between first and second positions when the trigger arm is moved from an engaged position to a disengaged position. Movement of the button from the home position to the actuation position pushes or pulls the cable, thereby pivoting the trigger arm from the engaged to the disengaged position and disengaging the hook from the striker. Pivotal movement of the trigger arm from the engaged to the disengaged position results in linear movement of the manual override switch from the first to the second position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/356,178, filed Nov. 18, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/923,905, filed Oct. 27, 2015, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/069,163, filedOct. 27, 2014. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/923,905 is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/796,829,filed Jul. 10, 2015. All of the above listed applications areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a latch system, and moreparticularly to a latch system for an aircraft overhead storage bin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Overhead storage bins in aircraft typically include latching systems tosecure the pivotal bucket to the upper housing. However, many latchsystems have proven unreliable. Accordingly, a need exists for animproved latch system. U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2014/0197721 and2015/0307192 are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided an aircraft storage bin that includes an upper housing thatincludes first and second side panels, a bucket that cooperates with theupper housing to define a bin interior, and a latch system. The bucketis movable with respect to the upper housing between an open positionand a closed position and includes a bottom and first and second sidewalls. The latch system includes a paddle button assembly having abutton that is movable between a home position and an actuationposition, a first latch assembly that includes a first hook assembly anda first striker assembly, and a first cable that extends between thepaddle button assembly and the first latch assembly. The paddle buttonassembly is associated with one of the bucket and the upper housing. Thefirst hook assembly is associated with one of the bucket and the upperhousing and the first striker assembly is associated with the other ofthe bucket and the upper housing. Movement of the button from the homeposition to the actuation position moves the first cable, therebydisengaging the first hook assembly and the first striker assembly,thereby causing the bucket to move from the closed position to the openposition. In a preferred embodiment, the first hook assembly includes afirst hook and the first striker assembly includes a first striker.Movement of the first cable moves one of the first hook and the firststriker to disengage the first hook assembly and the first strikerassembly. Preferably, the button is pivotal between the home positionand the actuation position and the pivotal movement of the button pushesor pulls the first cable, thereby pivoting a first trigger arm from anengaged position to a disengaged position and disengaging the first hookfrom the first striker.

In a preferred embodiment, the first hook assembly includes a firstrotary member that includes the first hook. The first rotary member ismovable between a first position where the first hook is engaged withthe first striker and a second position where the first hook is notengaged with the first striker. Preferably, the first rotary member isbiased toward the second position. In a preferred embodiment, the firstrotary member includes a first catch member that engages a first ledgeon the first trigger arm in the first position and a first stop memberin the second position. The first rotary member is preferably enclosedin a housing and includes a first closeout member. The housing includesa striker opening defined in a top wall thereof and the first closeoutmember is positioned to block the striker opening when the rotary catchis in the second position.

In a preferred embodiment, the hook assembly includes an indicator thatis movable from a first position to a second position when the triggerarm is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position.Preferably, the indicator is enclosed in a housing and extends outwardlyfrom the housing when in the second position. In a preferred embodiment,the button is pivotal between the home position and the actuationposition, and pivoting of the button pivots a cam member that pushes orpulls the cable, thereby disengaging the hook from the striker.Preferably, the cam member includes a cam post extending outwardlytherefrom that engages a cam surface on the button, and the cam postmoves along the cam surface when the button pivots from the homeposition to the actuation position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of closing a storage bin that includes the steps ofmoving a bucket from an open position to a closed position and toward anupper housing. One of the bucket and the upper housing includes a hookassembly and the other of the bucket and the striker includes a strikerassembly. The hook assembly includes a rotary member that includes ahook and a closeout member, and the striker assembly includes a striker.The rotary member is movable between a first position where the hook isengaged with the striker and a second position where the hook is notengaged with the striker. The step of moving the bucket from the openposition to the closed position causes the striker to contact thecloseout member, thereby rotating the hook from the second position tothe first position.

In a preferred embodiment, the first paddle button assembly includes afirst indicator that is movable from a first position to a secondposition when the button is moved from the home position to theactuation position. Preferably, the first paddle button assemblyincludes a first indicator that is movable from a first position to asecond position when the button is moved from the home position to theactuation position and the first hook maintains the first trigger arm inthe disengaged position when the first rotary member is in the secondposition, thereby maintaining the indicator in the second position.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a latch system that includes a paddle button assembly having abutton that is movable between a home position and an actuationposition, a first latch assembly that includes a first striker assemblyand a first hook assembly, and a first cable that extends between thepaddle button assembly and the first latch assembly. Movement of thebutton from the home position to the actuation position moves the firstcable, thereby disengaging the first hook assembly and the first strikerassembly. Preferably, the button is pivotal between the home positionand the actuation position and the pivoting of the button pivots a firstcam member that pushes or pulls the first cable, thereby disengaging thefirst hook from the first striker.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of opening a storage bin that includes moving a buttonfrom a home position to an actuation position. Movement of the buttonfrom the home position to the actuation position moves a first cable,thereby disengaging a first hook assembly and a first striker assembly,wherein a bucket moves from a closed position to an open position. Themethod also includes maintaining an indicator in an indication positionwhen a first latch assembly is engaged and a second latch assembly isdisengaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a latch system in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dual pivot bin assembly with the latchsystem of FIG. 1 incorporated therein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bucket of the a dual pivot binassembly with the latch system of FIG. 1 incorporated therein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the paddle button assembly of the latchsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the paddle button assembly with thebutton in the home position;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the paddle button assembly with thebutton in the actuation position;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the latch assembly of the latch systemof FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed and with the hookassembly and the striker assembly engaged with one another;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the latch assembly of the latch systemof FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed and with the hookassembly and the striker assembly disengaged from one another;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the paddle button assembly with theindicator in the second position and the button in the home position;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the paddle button assembly on thebucket with the indicator in the first position; and

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the paddle button assembly on thebucket with the indicator in the second (indication) position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a latch system in accordance withanother preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a dual pivot bin assembly with thelatch system of FIG. 10 incorporated therein;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bucket of the dual pivot binassembly with the latch system of FIG. 10 incorporated therein;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the paddle button assembly ofthe latch system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14A is a front elevational view of the paddle button assembly withthe button in the home position;

FIG. 14B is a front elevational view of the paddle button assembly withthe button in the actuation position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of the latch systemof FIG. 10 with a portion of the housing removed, with the hook assemblyand the striker assembly engaged with one another and the indicator andmanual override switch in the first position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of the latch systemof FIG. 10 with a portion of the housing removed, with the hook assemblyand the striker assembly disengaged from one another and the indicatorand manual override switch in the second position; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the indicator and manual overrideswitch in the second (indication) position.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted.

It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than oneway. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for anyone or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is tobe placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein.Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or moresynonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examplesanywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussedherein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit thescope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given inthis specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,”“bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,”“inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease ofdescription and refer to the orientation of the components as shown inthe figures. It should be understood that any orientation of thecomponents described herein is within the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting thesame, FIGS. 1-9B show an embodiment of a latch system 10. However, thisis not a limitation on the present invention and the latch system 10 canbe used elsewhere. As shown in FIG. 1, generally, the latch system 10includes a paddle button assembly 12, first and second latch assemblies14 and first and second cables 16 extending between the paddle buttonassembly 12 and the first and second latch assemblies 14. As shown inFIG. 2, the latch system 10 can be used with a pivot bin assembly 100,such as those used in commercial passenger aircraft. However, this isnot a limitation on the present invention and the latch system 10 can beused elsewhere. Preferably, the latch system 10 is used with an aircraftstorage bin 100 that includes a bucket 102 that is pivotally connectedto an upper housing 104. Preferably, the upper housing 104 includesfirst and second side panels 106. The bucket 102 cooperates with theupper housing to define a bin interior and is movable with respect tothe upper housing 104 between an open position and a closed position. Ina preferred embodiment, the bucket 102 includes a bottom 108 and firstand second side walls 110. In another embodiment, the bucket can alsoinclude a top. For example, see the bucket taught in U.S. PatentPublication No. 2011/0253837, published on Oct. 20, 2011 (the “'837publication”), the entirety of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

As shown in FIG. 1, the paddle button assembly 12 includes a button 18that is movable between a home position and an actuation position (seeFIGS. 5A and 5B), the first and second latch assemblies 14 includes afirst hook assembly 20 and a first striker assembly 22, and the firstand second cables 16 extends between the paddle button assembly 12 andthe first and second latch assemblies 14. The first and second latchassemblies 14 can be associated with the side panels and side walls ofthe upper housing 104 and bucket 102 or they can be associated with thefront of the upper housing 104 and bucket 102. It will be appreciatedthat only a single latch assembly 14 can be utilized (on one side or inthe middle of the bucket and upper housing).

As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the paddle buttonassembly 12 is associated with or mounted on or in the bucket 102.However, in another embodiment, the paddle button assembly 12 can beassociated with or mounted on or in the upper housing. In a preferredembodiment, the first and second hook assemblies 20 are associated withone of the bucket 102 and the upper housing 104 and the first and secondstriker assemblies 22 are associated with the other of the bucket 102and the upper housing 104. The drawings show the hook assemblies 20mounted in the side walls 110 of the bucket 102 and the strikerassemblies 22 mounted in and extending downwardly from the side panels106 of the upper housing 104. However, this arrangement can be reversed.In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the hook and striker assemblies20 and 22 are generally aligned with the side walls and side panels,which allows the clamshell type bin to close. However, in anotherembodiment, the hook and striker assemblies 20 and 22 can be mounted onthe inside of outside of the side walls or side panels. For example, ifthe latch system 10 was used with the pivot bin assembly taught in the'837 publication, the striker assemblies 142 could be mounted on theinner surfaces the side panels of the stationary upper housing and thehook assemblies 140 could be mounted on the outer surfaces of the sidewalls of the pivoting bin or vice versa.

Generally, movement of the button 138 from the home position (see FIG.14A) to the actuation position (see FIG. 14B) moves the cables 16,thereby disengaging the hook assemblies 140 and the striker assemblies142, thereby allowing the bucket to move from the closed position to theopen position. This arrangement will be further described below.

As shown in FIG. 12, in a preferred embodiment, paddle button assembly132 is mounted in an opening 112 defined in the bottom 108 of the bucket102. The cables 16 extend through a channel 114 defined in either thebucket 102, between the bucket 102 and trim 116 or in the trim. FIG. 3shows the first portion of the channel 114 extending away from thepaddle button assembly 12 defined in the bucket and covered by a cover118 (which is exploded away) and the second portion of the channel 114defined in the top of the front and side edges of the bucket 102 and tothe striker assemblies 22. In another embodiment, the first portion ofthe channel 114 extends away from the paddle button assembly 12 and isdefined in the bucket and covered by the cover 118 and the secondportion of the channel 114 is defined between the top of the front andside edges of the bucket 102 and the inner surface of the trim 116. Thecables 16 can be exposed or contained in an outer casing 17, similar tocables used for braking on bicycles. The bucket 102 can also includesthe cover 118 that is mounted to an inside surface thereof for coveringthe paddle button assembly 12, cables 16 and associated components.

The paddle button assembly 12, which is best shown in FIGS. 4-5B, willnow be described. Generally, the paddle button assembly 12 includes aframe 24, the button 18, first and second cam members 26, and anindicator 28 (described below). The frame 24 defines a central opening30 that at least partially receives the button 18 and has an outerflange 32 that is mounted against the outside surface of the bucket 102.The button 18 is pivotally connected to the frame 24 (preferably by apivot pin 18 a that extends through associated openings in the frame 24and button 18). The frame 24 also includes a hinge portion 34 that thecam members 26 are pivotally connected to. The hinge portion 34 can beintegral with the frame 24 or a separate component.

As is best shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, in a preferred embodiment, the cammembers 26 are generally “L” shaped and include a button engaging end 26a and a cable engaging end 26 b. Preferably, the cable engaging end 26 bincludes an opening 36 that receives a ball 16 b on the end of the cable16. However any attachment of the cables 16 to the cable engaging ends26 b of the cam members 26 is within the scope of the present invention.The cam members 26 are preferably received in recesses 38 in the hingeportion 34 and are pivotal with respect to the hinge portion 34(preferably by pivot pins 26 c that extends through associated openingsin the hinge portion 34 and button cam members 26).

As shown in FIG. 5A, the end 18 b of the button 18 distal from the pivotpoint is engaged with the button engaging ends 26 b of the cam members26 (only one cam member is shown in FIG. 5A). FIG. 5A demonstrates thehome position, which, as described below is associated with the engagedposition of the first trigger arm and, ultimately, the closed positionof the bin. To open the bin, a user pushes on button 18, which, pivotsto the actuation position (shown in FIG. 5B). In a preferred embodiment,the button 18 is biased toward the home position. This can be done by aspring 18 c. The distal end 18 b of the button 18 pushes the buttonengaging ends 26 a of the cam members 26, thereby pivoting the cammembers 26 from a first position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A) to a secondposition (shown in FIG. 5B). The cam members 26 pulls the cables 16(within casings 17), which ultimately disengages the hook assemblies 20and the striker assemblies 22, which will be more fully described below.In another embodiment, the button 18 and cam member 26 are oriented topush the cable 16.

In a preferred embodiment, the cables 16 include the capability of beingadjusted. This can be useful as the cables may stretch or lengthen overtime. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-5B, the paddlebutton assembly 12 includes an adjustment lock 39 and adjustment nuts40. The adjustment nuts 40 are similar to those used on bicycle brakesand or shifters. The adjustment lock 39 prevents the adjustment nuts 40from turning when in the locked position and allows turning of the nuts(and, therefore, adjustment) when unlocked.

The latch assemblies 14, one of which is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, willnow be described. Generally, the hook assembly 20 includes a hook 50that engages a striker 52 on the striker assembly 22. When the hook 50and striker 52 are engaged, the bucket is in the closed position. Whenthe hook 50 and striker 52 are disengaged (by actuation of the button18), the bucket moves to the open position.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in a preferred embodiment, the strikerassembly 22 includes a casing 54 that is secured to the upper housing104 and includes a striker housing 56 extending downwardly therefrom.The striker housing 56 defines a housing interior 58. The striker 52comprises a bushing 60 that is rotatably received on a pin 62 that spansthe housing interior. In a preferred embodiment, the striker housing 56includes three sides, thereby defining a fourth side opening 56 a that,together with the striker 52 defines a hook opening 56 b into which thehook 50 is received.

In a preferred embodiment, the hook assembly 20 includes a housing 64that defines a housing interior that houses the other components. In apreferred embodiment, the housing 64 is received in an opening in theside wall 110 of the bucket 102. The housing 64 includes a top wall 64 athat has a striker opening 64 b defined therein. Inside the housing 64,the hook assembly 20 includes a rotary member 66 and a pivotal triggerarm 68. The rotary member 66 is rotatably mounted on a pivot axle 70 andincludes the hook 50 a closeout member 72 and a catch member 74. Therotary member 66 is rotatable between a first position (see FIG. 6) anda second position (see FIG. 7) and is biased toward the second position(preferably by a torsion spring that is concentric with the pivot pin).The trigger arm 68 is pivotally mounted to a pivot axle 70 and includesa ledge 76 and a ramp portion 78. The trigger arm is pivotal between anengaged position and a disengaged position and is biased toward theengaged position (preferably by a torsion spring that is concentric withthe pivot pin).

As shown in FIG. 6, when the rotary member 66 is in the first position,the hook 50 is engaged with the striker 52 and the catch member 74 isengaged with the ledge 76 on the trigger arm 68. In this position, thehook 50 and striker 52 are engaged and the bucket is held in the closedposition. When the cable 16 is pulled, as described above, the cable 16pivots the trigger arm 68 to the disengaged position. In this position,the catch member 74 disengages from the ledge 76, and the rotary member66 rotates to the second position (due to the bias). In a preferredembodiment, the catch member 74 engages a stop member 80, therebypreventing further rotation of the rotary member 66. As is shown in FIG.7, when the rotary member 66 is in the second position, the closeoutmember 72 is aligned with the striker opening 64 b in the top wall 64 aof the housing 64. It will be understood that this serves two purposes.First, it prevents objects from entering the striker opening 64 b.Second, it is part of the process for rotating the rotary member 66 backto the first position when the bucket is closed. In use, when the bucketis pivoted upwardly, the striker 52 enters the striker opening 64 b andengages or contacts the closeout member 72. Because the closeout member72 is offset from the pivot point of the rotary member 66, theengagement of the striker with the closeout member 72 causes the rotarymember 66 to start to rotate toward the first position. The closeoutmember 72 includes a curved surface 84 that the striker 52 continues topush in to finish the rotation to the first position, thereby engagingthe hook 50 with the striker 52.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B and FIGS. 8-9B, in a preferred embodiment, thepaddle button assembly 12 includes an indicator 28 that is pivotallyconnected to the frame 24 (by a pivot pin) 29 and housed in an openingtherein. The indicator 28 generally has a wedge shaped cross-section andis pivotal between a first position (see FIGS. 5A and 9A) where an outersurface 28 a is flush with the outside surface of the flange 32 and asecond position, where the side surfaces 28 b are exposed. The indicator28 is preferably biased toward the first position. The indicator 28indicates when one or both of the hooks 50 are not engaged with thestrikers 52.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in the first position, the inner surface 28 c ofthe indicator 28 is biased against both cable engaging ends 26 b of thecam members 26. In use, when the button 18 is pivoted from the homeposition to the actuation position (as shown in FIG. 5B), the cammembers 26 pivot and the cam engaging end 26 b pivots the indicator 28to the second position, thereby indicating that the hook 50 is notengaged with the striker 52. As is described above, when the cables 16are pulled, the trigger arms 68 are pivoted from the engaged to thedisengaged position, which causes the rotary members 66 to rotate fromthe first to the second position. It will be appreciated that as therotary members 66 rotate to the second position, inclined surfaces 82 onthe hooks 50 engage the ramp portions 78 of the trigger arms 68, whichpivot the trigger arms 68 to the disengaged position and holds themthere even after the button 18 has pivoted back to the home position.This action pushes the cables 16, which, in turn holds the cam members26 and the indicator 28 in their respective second positions, as isshown in FIGS. 8 and 9B. During latching of the hooks 50 and strikers52, when the trigger arms 68 are both moved to the engaged position, thecables 16 are pulled, thereby pivoting the cam members 26 and theindicator 28 to their respective first positions, as is shown in FIGS.5A and 9A. It will be understood that if the bucket is closed improperlyand only one of the first and second latch assemblies is latched (i.e.,one of the strikers is not engaged with its hook), the cam member 26associated with the unlatched latch assembly will hold the indicator inthe second position, thereby indicating that something is wrong. In apreferred embodiment the side surfaces 28 b of the indicator are abright color. Therefore, when the bucket is in the closed position, butone of the latches is not properly latched a user (e.g., a flightattendant) will see that the indicator is in the position shown in FIG.9B and can address the situation.

It will be appreciate that modifications can be made to the presentinvention. For example, the cable can be operably engaged with the hookand configured to pivot or rotate the hook to move the hook from a firstto a second position and out of engagement with the striker. In thisembodiment, the hook is biased toward the first position. To reengagethe hook and striker, the hook includes an inclined surface thereon thatis engaged by the striker to push the hook to the second position. Thenafter the striker clears the inclined surface the hook is biased back tothe first position and into engagement with the striker. In thisembodiment, the hook would act similar to the trigger arm in the currentdrawings. In the claims this embodiment may be covered by referring tothe hook as a trigger arm. In another embodiment, the cable can beconfigured to pull or push the striker out of engagement with the hook.In another embodiment, the configuration of the button can be reversedso that the button is pulled to pivot and operate the cam members. Inanother embodiment, the cable is directly connected to the button sothat pivoting the button pulls or pushes the cable to operate the latch.In another embodiment, the button is pushed in a linear direction topush the cable to operate the latch.

FIGS. 10-17 show another embodiment of a latch system 130. As shown inFIG. 10, generally, the latch system 130 includes a paddle buttonassembly 132, first and second latch assemblies 134 and first and secondcables 16 extending between the paddle button assembly 132 and the firstand second latch assemblies 134.

As shown in FIG. 10, the paddle button assembly 132 includes a button138 that is movable between a home position and an actuation position(see FIGS. 14A and 14B), the first and second latch assemblies 134includes a first hook assembly 140 and a first striker assembly 142, andthe first and second cables 16 extend between the paddle button assembly132 and the first and second latch assemblies 134.

As shown in FIG. 11, in a preferred embodiment, the paddle buttonassembly 132 is associated with or mounted on or in the bucket 102.However, in another embodiment, the paddle button assembly 132 can beassociated with or mounted on or in the upper housing. In a preferredembodiment, the first and second hook assemblies 140 are associated withone of the bucket 102 and the upper housing 104 and the first and secondstriker assemblies 142 are associated with the other of the bucket 102and the upper housing 104. The drawings show the hook assemblies mountedin the side walls of the bucket and the striker assemblies mounted inand extending downwardly from the side panels of the upper housing.However, this arrangement can be reversed. In the embodiments shown inthe drawings, the hook and striker assemblies are generally aligned withthe side walls and side panels, which allows the clamshell type bin toclose. However, in another embodiment, the hook and striker assembliescan be mounted on the inside or outside of the side walls or sidepanels. For example, if the latch system 130 was used with the pivot binassembly taught in the '837 publication, the striker assemblies could bemounted on the inner surfaces the side panels of the stationary upperhousing and the hook assemblies could be mounted on the outer surfacesof the side walls of the pivoting bin or vice versa.

Generally, movement of the button 138 from the home position (see FIG.14A) to the actuation position (see FIG. 14B) moves the cables 16,thereby disengaging the hook assemblies 140 and the striker assemblies142, and allowing the bucket to move from the closed position to theopen position. This arrangement will be further described below.

As shown in FIG. 12, in a preferred embodiment, paddle button assembly132 is mounted in an opening 112 defined in the bottom 108 of the bucket102. The cables 16 extend through a channel 139 defined in the bottom108 and sides 110 of the bucket 102. FIG. 12 shows the channel 139extending along the outside bottom of the bucket away from the paddlebutton assembly 132. The channel 139 is preferably covered by a cover141. The cables 16 extend in opposite directions from the paddle buttonassembly 132 and to the striker assemblies 142.

The paddle button assembly 132, which is best shown in FIGS. 13-14B,will now be described. Generally, the paddle button assembly 12 includesa frame 202, the button 138 and a casing 204 for attachment to thebucket 102. FIG. 13 also shows a cover 205 for covering the paddlebutton assembly 132 in the inside of the bucket. The frame 202 includesfirst and second cam levers or cam members 206 that pivot when thebutton 138 is pushed and that pull the cables 16. The button 138 ispivotally connected to the frame 202 (preferably by a pivot pin thatextends through associated openings 143 in the frame 202 and button138). The frame 202 includes channels 208 defined therein that receivethe cam members 206 and in which the cam members 206 pivot. The cables16 (not shown in FIG. 13) extend through openings 210 in the end of theframe 202. Balls 16 b on the end of the cables 16 are received in anopening 212 in the cam members 206. The cam members 206 each include acam post 214 extending outwardly therefrom. The cam posts 214 engagewith a cam surface 216 on the button 138.

FIG. 14A demonstrates the home position, which, as described below isassociated with the engaged position of the first trigger arm and,ultimately, the closed position of the bin. To open the bin, a userpushes on button 138, which, pivots to the actuation position (shown inFIG. 14B). In a preferred embodiment, the button 138 is biased towardthe home position. This can be done by a spring. As a result of theconfiguration of the cam surface 216 and the cam posts 214, movement ofthe button 138 causes the cam posts 214 to move upwardly and inwardly onthe cam surface 216 (as oriented in FIGS. 14A and 14B). This movementcauses the cam members 206 to pivot from a first position (shown in FIG.14A) to a second position (shown in FIG. 14B). The cam members 206 pullthe cables 16 (within casings 17), which ultimately disengages the hookassemblies 140 and the striker assemblies 142, which will be more fullydescribed below. In another embodiment, the button 138 and cam member206 are oriented to push the cable 16. It will be appreciated that theframe 202 and the button 138 each include inclined surfaces 218 thatmaintain the cam posts 214 in the desired position prior to and duringoperation.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame also includes stoppers 220 thatcooperate with windows 222 in the button 138. The inner upper edge ofthe windows 222 contact the stoppers 220 in the first position tomaintain the button 138 in the first or rest position. Similar to thefirst embodiment described herein, the cables can include the capabilityof being adjusted.

The latch assemblies 134, one of which is shown in FIGS. 15-17, will nowbe described. Generally, the hook assembly 140 includes a hook 150 thatengages a striker 152 on the striker assembly 142. When the hook 150 andstriker 152 are engaged, the bucket is in the closed position. When thehook 150 and striker 152 are disengaged (by actuation of the button138), the bucket moves to the open position.

In a preferred embodiment, the striker assembly 142 includes a casing154 that is secured to the upper housing 104 and includes a strikerhousing 156 extending downwardly therefrom. The striker 152 isassociated with and secured in the striker housing 156.

In a preferred embodiment, the hook assembly 140 includes a housing 164that defines a housing interior that houses the other components. In apreferred embodiment, the housing 164 is received in an opening orindentation in the side wall 110 of the bucket 102 (see FIG. 17). Thehousing can include two sides that together house the hook 150 andassociated components or a single side that cooperates with the sidewall 110 of the bucket 102 to house the hook 150 and associatedcomponents. The housing 164 includes a striker opening 164 a definedtherein. Inside the housing 164, the hook assembly 140 includes a rotarymember 166 and a pivotal trigger arm 168. The rotary member 166 isrotatably mounted on a pivot axle 170 and includes the hook 150, acloseout member 172 and a catch member 174. The rotary member 166 isrotatable between a first position (see FIG. 15) and a second position(see FIG. 16) and is biased toward the second position by a spring 175(a torsion spring that is concentric with the pivot pin can also beused). The trigger arm 168 is pivotally mounted to a pivot axle 170 andincludes a ledge 176 and a ramp portion 178. The trigger arm 168 ispivotal between an engaged position and a disengaged position and isbiased toward the engaged position (preferably by a torsion spring thatis concentric with the pivot pin or by the indicator assembly 186,described below).

As shown in FIG. 15, when the rotary member 166 is in the firstposition, the hook 150 is engaged with the striker 152 and the catchmember 174 is engaged with the ledge 176 on the trigger arm 168. In thisposition, the hook 150 and striker 152 are engaged and the bucket isheld in the closed position. When the cable 16 is pulled, as describedabove, the cable 16 pivots the trigger arm 168 downwardly to thedisengaged position. In this position, the catch member 174 disengagesfrom the ledge 176, and the rotary member 166 rotates to the secondposition (due to the bias by spring 175). In a preferred embodiment, inthe second position, the rotary member 166 engages a stop member 180,thereby preventing further rotation of the rotary member 166. As isshown in FIG. 16, when the rotary member 166 is in the second position,the closeout member 172 is aligned with or positioned to close thestriker opening 164 a in the housing 164. It will be understood thatthis serves two purposes. First, it prevents objects from entering thehousing. Second, it is part of the process for rotating the rotarymember 166 back to the first position when the bucket is closed. In use,when the bucket is pivoted upwardly, the striker 152 enters the strikeropening 164 a and engages or contacts the closeout member 172. Becausethe closeout member 172 is offset from the pivot point of the rotarymember 166, the engagement of the striker with the closeout member 172causes the rotary member 166 to start to rotate toward the firstposition. The closeout member 172 includes a curved surface 184 that thestriker 152 continues to push in to finish the rotation to the firstposition, thereby engaging the hook 150 with the striker 152.

As shown in FIGS. 15-16, in a preferred embodiment, the hook assembly140 includes an indicator assembly 186 that is operatively connected tothe trigger arm 168. The indicator assembly 186 includes an indicator188 that extends through an opening 189 in the bottom of the housing164, an arm 190 and a plunger 192 that includes a ball 193 on the endthereof that is received in a socket 194 defined in the trigger arm 168.Preferably, the arm 190 includes a spring 195 thereon that extendsbetween the plunger 192 and a baffle 196 in the housing 164. The spring195 biases the trigger arm 168 upwardly and the indicator 188 to a firstposition.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the trigger arm 168 is in the engaged position(equivalent to the hook being engaged with or latched to the striker),the indicator 188 is in the first position, thereby indicating that thehook 150 is engaged with the striker. In this position, the bottomsurface of the indicator 188 is generally flush with the bottom of thehousing 164. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the trigger arm 168 is inthe disengaged position (equivalent to the hook being disengaged orunlatched from the striker), the trigger arm 168 pushes the plunger 192,arm 190 and indicator 188 downwardly and into a second position, therebyindicating that the hook 150 is disengaged from the striker. In thisposition, the indicator 188 extends downwardly through opening 189 sothat it is visible to passengers or crew. Preferably, the indicator iscolored red (or other color) to provide greater visibility. Theindicator 188 can also include a light.

As shown in FIGS. 15-17, in a preferred embodiment, the indicatorassembly 186 also includes a manual override switch or member 198 thatis positioned in and movable within a switch opening 200 in the housing164. FIGS. 15-16 show the back side of the switch and FIG. 17 shows thefront side. The manual override switch 198 is used if the bucket willnot open using the button 138 (i.e., when moving the button does notcause the hook assembly to disengage from the striker assembly). In use,the manual override switch is moved from a first position (FIG. 15) to asecond position (FIGS. 16 and 17) (e.g., it is moved generallydownwardly), which pulls and pivots the trigger arm 68 to the disengagedposition. In this position, the catch member 174 disengages from theledge 176, and the rotary member 166 rotates to the second position (dueto the bias), thereby disengaging the hook 150 from the striker 152. Inanother embodiment, the indicator can be omitted. In this embodiment,the indicator assembly is also referred to as an override assembly.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of thefollowing interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, allof the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples:alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements orranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used hereinare merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention.Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials notedherein are only examples: alternative implementations may employdiffering materials.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the abovedescription describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, anddescribes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the aboveappears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details ofthe system may vary considerably in its implementation details, whilestill being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which thatterminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines suchterms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have beenshown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms usedherein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes,modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aircraft storage bin latch system comprising:a paddle button assembly that includes a button that is movable betweena home position and an actuation position, a latch assembly thatincludes a striker assembly and a hook assembly, wherein the hookassembly includes a hook, a trigger arm pivotal from an engaged positionto a disengaged position, and a manual override switch that is movablelinearly from a first position to a second position when the trigger armis moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position, whereinthe striker assembly includes a striker, wherein the hook assemblyincludes a rotary member that includes the hook, wherein the rotarymember is movable between a first position where the hook is engagedwith the striker and a second position where the hook is not engagedwith the striker, and wherein the rotary member is biased toward thesecond position, and a cable that extends between the paddle buttonassembly and the latch assembly, wherein movement of the button from thehome position to the actuation position pushes or pulls the cable,thereby pivoting the trigger arm from the engaged position to thedisengaged position and disengaging the hook from the striker, whereinpivotal movement of the trigger arm from the engaged position to thedisengaged position results in linear movement of the manual overrideswitch from the first position to the second position.
 2. The aircraftstorage bin latch system of claim 1 wherein the button is pivotalbetween the home position and the actuation position, and wherein thepivoting of the button pushes or pulls the cable, thereby disengagingthe hook assembly and the striker assembly.
 3. The aircraft storage binlatch system of claim 1 wherein the rotary member includes a catchmember that engages a ledge on the trigger arm when the rotary member isin the first position.
 4. The aircraft storage bin latch system of claim1 wherein the rotary member is enclosed in a housing that includes a topwall, wherein the rotary member includes a closeout member, wherein thehousing includes a striker opening defined in the top wall of thehousing, and wherein the closeout member is positioned to block thestriker opening when the rotary member is in the second position.
 5. Theaircraft storage bin latch system of claim 1 wherein the hook assemblyis enclosed in a housing, wherein the manual override switch is at leastpartially positioned in an opening defined in and exposed to an exteriorof the housing, and wherein the manual override switch is movablebetween the first position and the second position within the opening inthe housing.
 6. The aircraft storage bin latch system of claim 5 whereinthe manual override switch has an outer surface and the housing has anouter side surface, and wherein the outer surface of the manual overrideswitch is substantially flush with the outer side surface of thehousing.
 7. The aircraft storage bin latch system of claim 1 wherein thebutton is pivotal between the home position and the actuation position,wherein the paddle button assembly includes a cam member, and whereinpivoting of the button pivots the cam member and pushes or pulls thecable, thereby disengaging the hook from the striker.
 8. The aircraftstorage bin latch system of claim 7 wherein the cam member includes acam post extending outwardly that engages a cam surface on the button,and wherein the cam post moves along the cam surface when the buttonpivots from the home position to the actuation position.
 9. An aircraftstorage bin that comprises: an upper housing that includes first andsecond side panels, a bucket that cooperates with the upper housing todefine a bin interior, wherein the bucket is movable with respect to theupper housing between an open position and a closed position, whereinthe bucket includes a bottom and first and second side walls, and alatch system that includes a paddle button assembly having a button thatis movable between a home position and an actuation position, a latchassembly that includes a hook assembly and a striker assembly, and acable that extends between the paddle button assembly and the latchassembly, wherein the hook assembly includes a hook, a trigger armpivotal from an engaged position to a disengaged position, and a manualoverride switch that is movable in a linear direction from a firstposition to a second position, and wherein the striker assembly includesa striker, wherein the hook assembly includes a rotary member thatincludes the hook, wherein the rotary member is movable between a firstposition where the hook is engaged with the striker and a secondposition where the hook is not engaged with the striker, and wherein therotary member is biased toward the second position, wherein the paddlebutton assembly is associated with one of the bucket and the upperhousing, wherein the hook assembly is associated with one of the bucketand the upper housing and the striker assembly is associated with theother of the bucket and the upper housing, wherein movement of thebutton from the home position to the actuation position moves the cableand pivots the trigger arm, thereby disengaging the hook assembly andthe striker assembly, whereby the bucket moves from the closed positionto the open position, and wherein linear movement of the manual overrideswitch from the first position to the second position pivots the triggerarm, thereby disengaging the hook assembly and the striker assembly. 10.The aircraft storage bin of claim 9 wherein the rotary member includes acatch member that engages a ledge on the trigger arm when the rotarymember is in the first position and a stop member when the rotary memberis in the second position.
 11. The aircraft storage bin of claim 9wherein the rotary member is enclosed in a housing that includes a topwall, wherein the rotary member includes a closeout member, wherein thehousing includes a striker opening defined in the top wall of thehousing, and wherein the closeout member is positioned to block thestriker opening when the rotary catch is in the second position.
 12. Thelatch system of claim 9 wherein the button is pivotal between the homeposition and the actuation position, wherein the paddle button assemblyincludes a cam member, and wherein pivoting of the button pivots the cammember and pushes or pulls the cable, thereby disengaging the hook fromthe striker.
 13. The latch system of claim 12 wherein the cam memberincludes a cam post extending outwardly that engages a cam surface onthe button, and wherein the cam post moves along the cam surface whenthe button pivots from the home position to the actuation position. 14.The latch system of claim 9 wherein the hook assembly includes a rotarymember that includes the hook, wherein the rotary member is movablebetween a first position where the hook is engaged with the striker anda second position where the hook is not engaged with the striker,wherein the rotary member includes a closeout member, and wherein thecloseout member is positioned to block a striker opening when the rotarymember is in the second position.